#1 Regenerative injection therapy (RIT) has been in clinical use for over a century.

A form of regenerative injection therapy was used as a hernia treatment in the early 19th century by Dr. Jaynes in Louisiana (Rice, 1936). In the 1950s, George S. Hackett M.D. developed a form of regenerative injection therapy that he termed “prolotherapy”. He found it very successful for the treatment of ligament laxity leading to other musculoskeletal conditions (Hackett, 2008). His focus was on injuries of the tendon as it inserted into the bone (enthesis) and of ligaments that inserted into the bone (fibro-osseous junction) (Zone 3 in the figure below).

The bone tendon and ligament junction is the most common site of injury due to the significant differences in material characteristics between solid bony tissue and flexible tendon/ligament tissues.

#2 Regenerative injection therapy heals injuries that lead to arthritis later in life.

With advances in technology, there has also been a great deal of research done on joint and cartilage injuries. Regenerative solutions have been used to begin the regeneration of tissues. These solutions include hyperosmolar dextrose or mannitol, platelet-derived growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (Hauser, 2014; DeChellis, 2011). Once injected, these solutions restart your body’s natural healing cascade which promotes the growth of normal cells and tissues.

Regenerative injection therapy is often done with one or more treatment sessions (Distel, 2011; Rabago, 2010; 2013). The end point of treatment is the elimination of joint instability, progressive joint degeneration and pain. Clinically it has been observed that once joint stability is restored, pain and muscle spasms resolve with a return of normal functional biomechanics.

#3 Identifying the source of pain can speed up treatment.

Fluoroscopic or ultrasound-guidance can be used to identify the precise tissue defect that is the source of the pain. Tissue defects can be found even if x-rays and MRIs are absolutely normal. If accurate anatomic localization is difficult, several sessions are usually needed to identify the precise pain generator.

#4 Regenerative injection therapy can treat many chronic and difficult to treat injuries.

Excessive popping or cracking of the spine or joints (joint instability)

#5 Regenerative injection therapy repairs tissues.

Regenerative injection therapy is the only treatment available for the repair of ligament and tendon injuries (Anitua, 2004;Krampera, 2006; Lam, 2003; Liu, 1983; Reeves, 1995). This reverses the abnormal stress on the joint that can lead to future osteoarthritis and pain.

#6 Regenerative injection therapy is successful even if surgery fails

Regenerative injection therapy can also be used if extensive surgery, such as rotator cuff repair, ACL repair, or joint replacement surgery have not been completely successful.

#7 Regenerative injection therapy can work many years after an injury or accident.

Bracing, physical therapy, kinesio taping, and activity modifications can also be helpful, but they do not heal long damaged tissues. Oral medications and corticosteroid injections inhibit or delay the healing cascade which helps with pain but do not heal the underlying tissue injury.